Baco, Oriental Mindoro mayor dismissed from office

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Oriental Mindoro served the dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Baco, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Allan Roldan at around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.

With the order served, Vice Mayor Eric Castillo has automatically assumed the position as the new municipal mayor.

DILG Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Erick Gumabol personally served the order at Roldan’s office at the municipal hall. Roldan peacefully accepted the order and stepped down from his post.

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The Ombudsman found sufficient evidence to hold Roldan liable for grave misconduct.

In a decision issued March 6, 2026, investigators found that the mayor had conflict of interest over several infrastructure projects in the municipality, including the construction of the municipal security entrance gate, completion of the multipurpose building facade, improvements to the Rural Health Unit building, and construction of the public market in Barangay Poblacion.

Following a complaint filed by the Commission on Audit (COA) Regional Office IV-B, investigators discovered that heavy equipment used in three municipal projects was rented by contractor MIDR Construction from DelRoI Enterprises — a business owned by Roldan himself.

The probe also uncovered irregularities in project timelines: geotagged photos and social media posts showed that some projects were already underway before public bidding and contract award were officially conducted.

Roldan denied any wrongdoing, claiming the municipal government had followed procurement laws. However, the Ombudsman ruled that he had intentionally violated the law, which prohibits public officials from entering into business transactions with the government unit where they hold authority.

Aside from dismissal from service, Roldan’s penalties include cancellation of civil service eligibility, permanent disqualification from holding any public office, being barred from taking civil service examinations, and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

The Inquirer tried to get the comment of Roldan but he is yet to reply as of posting.